MANGA: Sotomura Tanteisha no Manekarezaru Kyaku

Sotomura Tanteisha no Manekarezaru Kyaku – Sakae Kusama

Matsuda Kei is a private investigator who specializes in quirky cases centered on his local neighborhood around the shopping arcade. He’s recently taken on a new roommate (and lover) named Kamiko who is unemployed, ruthlessly horny, and was actually a classmate from his past. While the two work together to solve cases, they carry on in what starts as a strictly physical relationship… until Matsuda finds that this temporary situation he has entered with Kamiko might be turning into something more.

The Troublesome Guest of Sotomura Detective Agency is a story about a private detective and a houseguest he can’t get rid off.

Matsuda is hired to investigate a freeloading ex-boyfriend who turns out to be his HS classmate Kamiko. Kamiko promises leave if Matsuda lets him stay with him for two days. The days stretch into weeks, then months, as Kamiko mooches, seduces, and occasionally assists with cases, while Matsuda grumbles yet continues to feed and sleep with him.

The plot is a slice-of-life detective work alongside the slowly evolving, rather steamy relationship between Kamiko and Matsuda.

Matsuda is a grouchy serial do-gooder the entire neighborhood relies on from changing lightbulbs to investigating creepy stalkers. He’s a super competent, resourceful investigator with a hero complex who’s bad at technology. I loved watching him work, coming up with clever solutions to unusual dilemmas. His grumpy exterior hides a marshmallow heart that’s both funny and endearing.

Kamiko was harder to like. I didn’t actively hate him since he has some redeeming qualities. Though he contributes with tech skills and is a fairly ok assistant, there’s always an undercurrent of him eventually disappearing. This sense of impermanence, freeloading, and not paying his debts made me think Matsuda deserves better.

The ending is a barely there HFN. I didn’t feel a firm commitment from Kamiko but he did have some character development. Perhaps a sequel?

Overall, promising but maybe a better payoff next time.

---

If you like my content, please consider supporting me on Ko-fi or PayPal. Your donations will help keep this website going. Thank you so much!